Saturday, May 23, 2009

Leslie Kiger, one of PBQ's many talented members, demonstrated the use of Marilyn Doheny's 9-degree wedge rulers. In the background is Leslie's quilt "Butterfly Bliss," her original design. Leslie sewed strip sets of color into units and then cut wedges from these sets to form her flowers and butterflies. The objects were hand appliqued to the pieced background.

On Wednesday, May 27, Gulf States Quilting Association Circuit Teacher Marilyn Rose, from Jackson, will hold a workshop for Pine Belt Quilters with hands-on teaching of how to use striped fabric and the wedge rulers to create original designs.

At our May 20 meeting we donated 141 quilts to the soldiers of the 155th Brigade deploying in June. These quilts range from crib size to twin bed size and are to comfort children whose parents are away serving our country. The guardsmen who received the quilts told the quilters how much these gifts mean to the families and soldiers. Command Master Sgt. Glen Davis said, "although the troops enjoy cookies and cakes sent to us, we have plenty of food; what really means the most is news from home--newspaper articles, stories of local sports events, any personal contact from friends and family." Three tote bags for young girls were included with the quilts. During the meeting one quilt was sold for $150 at a live auction. This money will be used to purchase batting and children's themed fabrics to make more quilts. Pictured are Sgt. Major Glen Davis, 1st Sgt. Teddy Hadaway, and Brigade public affairs spokesman Rob Edwards.Both the Hattiesburg American newspaper and WDAM TV sent reporters and photographers to cover the event.

FGH Pediatrics Unit: PBQ also furnished 8 flannel blankets to the Forrest General Hospital Pediatrics Unit. FGH asked if we would make small pillows for the children. Ruth Byrd precut and distributed squares of fabric and batting to the members for the pillows. These will be returned (and photographed) at the next meeting.Walker Totes: Since we began making walker totes for Forrest General Hospital in 2007 under the leadership and encouragement of our member Louise Cubley, we have made and furnished almost 600. One of our members, Sharon Nobles, brought in 30 more totes, made by a Girl Scout troop in Pensacola, FL.

Saturday, May 16, 2009

We have donated a 75" x 103" Rail Fence Quilt in bright primary colors to the Domestic Abuse Family Shelter to be used in their efforts to build a new and larger facility. The Hattiesburg American (http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/) reported in an April 6, 2009, story on the goal of $500,000 for this purpose. This agency serves as a haven for abused women and their children. It is our hope that the proceeds DAFS gains from this quilt can assist in their goals to more adequately serve those in crisis. Becky Sims, Director of DAFS, stresses the need for a place for women to go when they are in an abusive relationship. She said most homicides stem from domestic violence.

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Welcome to Pine Belt Quilters

Pine Belt Quilters meetings are at 9:30 AM the 3rd Wednesday of every month at University Baptist Church, 3200 W. Arlington Loop, Hattiesburg, MS. In addition, there are three activity group meetings per month.